Explore the scope and nature of tourism planning from a political, market, environmental and visitor perspective. Consider the agency and structure of local, regional, national and international planning organisations alongside the dimensions of planning for tourism in the public and private sector. Analyse the role of local stakeholders in the planning process in relation to wider strategic models.
Gain insight into the characteristics of urban tourism. Examine the re-discovery of the urban environment as a tourist destination – tourist arrivals in cities are constantly growing and increasingly more research has been undertaken to investigate the phenomenon of urban tourism. Cover topics that include: Historical background and the development of urban tourism; Tourism as a key to urban regeneration; The demographic, socio-economic and psychographic profile of the urban tourist; The supply side of urban tourism: services, infrastructure and activities; The impacts of tourism in the urban environment; Managing urban tourism; The concept of place-marketing; Trends and developments in urban tourism.
Consider the impact technological innovations have had for the visitor economy in the areas of tourism, hospitality, events and aviation. Reflect on the empowerment of consumers through technology, in particular, opportunities provided through social media and mobile technologies. Learn more about the current digital technologies impacting the visitor economy, such as social media, mobile technologies, augmented and virtual reality, and the concepts of co-creation.
Focus on an area of tourism management of your choice and design and implement a research proposal in this area. Set aims and objectives, select and implement research methods, conduct a literature review, collect empirical data and analyse appropriately. Benefit from expert supervision as well as training in research methods, research design and the interpretation of data and its relation to contextual material.
Explore the global trends of the hospitality industry, focusing on contemporary issues that will vary from year to year. Topics to be included are the impacts of globalization, strategic hospitality management, change management in the hospitality industries, international marketing and branding, global trend analysis, the impact of IT, food and the hospitality industries.
Explore the increasingly important area of food and drink tourism for regional economic development and identity formation. Examine the importance of food and drink products to the tourist experience and to destination success for those countries and regions closely associated with food and drink. Analyse the relationship between tourism and gastronomy and examine the direct and indirect advantages and disadvantages to local and regional communities associated with the development of gastronomic tourism and event initiatives.
Explore various theories and principles associated with the management of service quality in tourism, hospitality and events. Analyse issues in service delivery for the service organization, employees and consumers. Develop an appropriate model for analysing service quality in a given service organization related to tourism, hospitality or events.
Prepare yourself for a career in industry as an employee, leader or manager. Investigate leadership and management styles and approaches as well as researching and debating equality and diversity issues. Gain a greater understanding of leadership and management challenges which occur every day in the wider world.
